Combination article dispensing-amusement device

ABSTRACT

A device for simulating the packing and rolling of cigarettes, after which a real cigarette is dispensed. The device consists of a casing provided with a chamber within which the real cigarettes are stored. As the user actuates a motor within the casing, mechanism visible to the user simulating the packing and rolling of cigarettes is rendered operative through a gear train. At a predetermined time, one of the cigarettes is automatically released from the chamber. To the user, it thus appears that the dispensed cigarette has just been packed and rolled.

United States Patent [191 Yamamoto [451 Aug; 13, 1974 COMBINATION ARTICLE DISPENSING-AMUSEMENT DEVICE Inventor: Hideyuki Yamamoto, Tokyo, Japan [73] Tomy Kogyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo,

Japan Filed: Mar. 20, 1973 Appl. N0.: 342,991

Assignee:

US. Cl 221/24, 46/40, 221/289 Int. Cl. A24f 15/04 Field of Search 221/24, 199, 289, 243; 46/39, 40, 175 R; 206/412, 41 C, 41 E, 41

R, 38 A; 131/4 R; 312/73; D85/2 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 10/1932 Valas 221/24 3/1933 Portteus 206/38 A X 2,485,062 10/1949 Newton 221/24 X 3,054,214 9/1962 Smith et al 46/39 3,120,079 2/1964 Glass et a1 221/24 UX Primary Examiner-Allen N. Knowles Assistant ExaminerFrancis J. Bartuska 5 7 ABSTRACT 13 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PMENIEBAUBI m 3, 828,970

SHEEI 1 [If 2 COMBINATION ARTICLE DISPENSING-AMUSEMENT DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to article dispensers incorporating an amusement feature. In the device disclosed herein, the dispensing of cigarettes is accompanied by the action of mechanism visible to the user simulating the packing and rolling of cigarettes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the present invention, an electro-mechanical system is employed to automatically simulate the packing and rolling of cigarettes, single real cigarettes being dispensed periodically. In particular, a miniature electric motor and appropriate gear train are employed to rotate a first drum within which articles appearing as tobacco are located, rotate a second drum around which cigarette paper is wrapped, operate pistons and gears visible to the user and a ratchet-like sound producing mechanism. Independent of the simulated cigarette packing and rolling operation, but timed to coincide therewith, is a simple mechanism for releasing a single cigarette. A conventional electrical switch is employed to activate and deactivate the device. By simulating the packing and rolling of cigarettes, it appears to the user that he is receiving a freshly rolled cigarette.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cigarette dispenser illustrating the manual switch for starting the motor which drives through a gear train the equipment visible to the user simulating the packing and rolling of cigarettes and thereafter the dispensing of an actual cigarette;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view in section illustrating in particular the mechanism for automatically dispensing a single real cigarette during the simulated cigarette packing and rolling operation;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cigarette dispensing device of the present invention further illustrating operation of the various drums, pistons, ratchets and gears simulating the packing and rolling of cigarettes; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electrical and mechanical components of the cigarette dispensing device illustrating in detail both the simulated packing and rolling actionas well as the actual dispensing of cigarettes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The cigarette dispensing device of the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral and, as seen in FIG. 1, comprises a base 12 upon which a cabinet 14 is mounted. Extending upwardly from the base 12 and normally hidden from view is a chassis 16, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, to which the electromechanical components are mounted.

To simplify the disclosure of the present invention, FIG. 4 illustrates the components of the cigarette dispenser 10 in perspective, it being understood that the components to now be described are suitably mounted or journalled to the chassis 16 or another chassis within chassis l6.

A miniature electric motor 18 of conventional design is suitably mounted within the chassis l6 and energized by a conventional battery 20 suitably connected by wiring 22. As will be apparent, as the user pulls downwardly on knob 24, the arm 26, suitably mounted for rotation with respect to the chassis 16, rotates causing the tip 28 to contact the switch plate 30. The plate 30 is suitably mounted to the chassis 16 for rotation or other movement to eventually contact the stationary electrical contact 34 completing the circuit energizing the motor 18. Such circuit and switching mechanism is well known in the prior art and needs no further elaboration herein.

The shaft of the motor 18 terminates outwardly in a pinion wheel 36 which meshes with and rotates a gear wheel 38 mounted for rotation with the shaft 40 which is suitably journalled within the chassis 16. Spaced inwardly along the shaft 40 and fixedly secured thereto is a smaller gear wheel 42 which meshes with and rotates the larger gear wheel 44 which is loosely mounted about the shaft 46, also appropriately journalled within the chassis 16. The shaft 46 terminates outwardly in a disc element 48 provided with eccentrically positioned pin 50.

As also illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, an actuating rod 52 is suitably mounted to the chassis 16 permitting reciprocating movement. One end 54 of the rod 52 is bent downwardly in the vicinity of the pin 50 such that as the disc element 48 rotates, the pin 50 will eventually contact the end 54 causing the rod 52 to move to the right as illustrated in FIG. 2 against the force of the spring 56 which normally holds the rod 52 in the position illustrated in FIG. 2. The other end of rod 52 terminates in a block 58 normally positioned below the spout 60 of a chute 62 provided in one end of the cabinet 14. A cover generally designated by the reference numeral 64 may be removed by hand and a plurality of cigarettes 66 inserted within the chute 62, as illustrated in FIG. 2. As will be apparent, the width of the spout 60 is such that the cigarettes 66 are stacked one above the other.

As will now be apparent, the block 58 normally closes the spout 60. However, as the shaft 46 is caused to rotate, explained hereinafter, the pin 50 eventually engages the hooked end 54 moving the rod 52 to the right, as illustrated in FIG. 2, against the force of the spring 56 thus removing the block 58 permitting a single cigarette 66 to pass downwardly through the spout 60 and thereafter along the inclined plane 68 and eventually outwardly through the opening 70, as illustrated in FIG. 1. As the shaft 46 continues to rotate the pin 50 is disengaged from the hooked end 54 of the rod 52 causing the block 58 to resume its normal position.

Returning now to FIG. 4, positioned directly behind gear wheel 44 and formed as an integral part thereof is a smaller gear wheel 72 which meshes with and rotates a larger gear wheel 74 fixedly mounted to a shaft 76 appropriately journalled within the chassis 16. Thus, the shaft 76 is caused to rotate. Fixedly secured to the shaft 76 are a disc 78 provided with teeth 80 along part of the periphery thereof, cam members 82 and 84 and a gear wheel 86. Behind gear wheel 74 and formed as an integral part thereof is a smaller gear wheel which meshes with and rotates the gear wheel 77 which is fixedly secured to the shaft 46 driving same.

The chassis 16 is further provided with a resilient metal resonant plate 88 appropriately positioned, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in the path of the rotating disc 78. Thus, as the shaft 76 turns, the teeth 80 of the disc 78 cause the resonant plate 88 to be moved back and forth causing a clicking noise.

The cam members 82 and 84 are positioned directly below the piston rods 90 and 92, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4. As will thus be apparent, as the shaft 76 rotates the cam members 82 and 84 rotate causing the piston rods 90 and 92 to move up and down. The piston rods 90 and 92 are operatively connected to the crank mechanisms 94 and 96, causing same to move up and down as illustrated generally by the arrows in FIG. 3.

As will be still further apparent, the rotation of shaft 76 causes the drum 98 to rotate about a shaft 100 mounted for rotation between the bearing mounts 102 through the action of a belt 104. The drum 98 simulates a cigarette paper rolling drum and, of course, is pro vided with indicia of a well known cigarette. Thus, as the shaft 76 rotates, the cigarette paper rolling drum 98 rotates giving the appearance of continuously supplying cigarette paper.

Returning again to FIG. 4, a gear wheel 88 having exaggerated teeth is positioned on the outside of the casing 14 and meshes with and drives a similar gear wheel 108. The gear wheel 86 meshes with and drives the gear wheel 106 which is fixedly mounted on shaft 108. The other end of the shaft 108 terminates in a friction drive wheel 110 operatively connected to a drum 112 by the belt 114. The drum 112 is mounted for rotation about the shaft 116 journalled within bearing blocks 118 extending upwardly from the top of the cabinet 14, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The drum 112 is transparent and contains paper or plastic particles 120 simulating tobacco. Thus, the drum 120 continuously rotates causing the simulated tobacco particles 120 to jump up and down in irregular fashion.

Finally, the left end of the cabinet 14 is provided with a simulated tobacco chute 122.

It will now be apparent that as the user closes the electrical circuit by pushing the knob 24 downwardly, the motor 18 is energized causing the gear train and its related elements to operate in the manner previously described. During this time, the tobacco drum 112 rotates, the gear wheels 88 and 108 continuously rotate, the crank mechanisms 94 and 96 operate up and down in sequence, the resonant plate 88 is caused to flex producing a clicking noise and the cigarette paper drum 98 rotates. Eventually, the pin 50 contacts the hooked portion 54 of the actuating rod 52 removing the block 58 at which time a single cigarette 66 is released from the spout 60 of the chute 62 thereafter rolling down the inclined surface 68 through the opening 70 to drop on the table. The entire sequence can be repeated, over and over, as desired.

1 claim:

1. A cigarette dispensing amusement device, comprising:

a casing;

a storage chamber provided within said casing, a passage extending from said storage chamber to the outside of said casing;

a plurality of cigarettes located within said storage chamber;

blocking means normally preventing said cigarettes from leaving said storage chamber;

a first drum operatively mounted to said casing for rotation, said drum during rotation simulating the applying of cigarette paper;

a second drum operatively mounted to said casing for rotation, said second drum being transparent and including a cavity within which particles simulating tobacco are located;

means rotating said first and second drums for a predetermined time and thereafter removing said blocking means for an interval of time sufficient to permit a single cigarette to leave said storage chamber and enter said passage to be deposited for use comprising a motor mounted within said casing and a source of energy operatively connected thereto, a shaft mounted for rotation within said casing and means operatively connecting said motor to said shaft to rotate same, a disc mounted on said shaft and provided with an abutment, a part of said blocking means being provided with a portion normally positioned within the path of travel of said abutment, and resilient means for restoring said blocking means to its normal position wherein the cigarettes are prevented from leaving said storage chamber after said abutment has contacted said portion and urged said blocking means from its normal position to permit a cigarette to leave said storage chamber.

2. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 1, wherein said abutment is located at one position along the peripery of said disc.

3. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 2, wherein said part of said blocking means being provided with a portion normally positioned within the path of travel of said abutment comprises a rod connected to said blocking means and mounted within said casing for reciprocating movement, said rod terminating in an end positioned within the path of travel of said abutment.

4. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 1, including crank means operatively mounted for movement on said casing, and means operating said crank means in conjunction with said first and second drums.

5. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 4, wherein said crank means includes a piston rod operatively mounted to said casing for reciprocating movement, and said means operating said crank means comprises a shaft mounted for rotation in said casing, a gear train operatively connecting said motor to said shaft for rotating same, a cam member mounted to said shaft directly below said piston rod such that as said shaft is turned by said motor said cam sequentially actuates said piston rod operating said crank means.

6. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 4, including a resilient metal resonant plate mounted within said casing, a disc operatively connected to said shaft on which said cam member is connected, said disc including teeth located along a portion of the periphery thereof and arranged to contact the end of said resonant plate such that as said shaft rotates said teeth engage and move said resonant plate back and forth causing a clicking noise.

7. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 1, including gear wheels operatively mounted for meshing engagement on the outside of said casing so as to be visible to the user and means operatively connecting said motor to said gear wheels for operating same in conjunction with said drums and crank means.

8. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 1, wherein said source of energy for said motor is electrical.

9. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 8, including an electrical circuit and switch means available to the user for energizing said motor.

10. A cigarette dispensing amusement device, comprising:

a casing;

a storage chamber provided within said casing, a passage extending from said storage chamber to the outside of said casing; a plurality of cigarettes located within said storage chamber;

blocking means normally preventing said cigarettes from leaving said storage chamber;

means operatively mounted to said casing for simulating the packing and rolling of cigarettes; and

means operating said means simulating the packing and rolling of cigarettes for a predetermined time and thereafter removing said blocking means for an interval of time sufficient to permit a single cigarette to leave said storage chamber and enter said passage to be deposited for use comprising a motor mounted within said casing and the source of energy operatively connected thereto, a shaft mounted for rotation within said casing and means operatively connecting said motor to said shaft to rotate same, a disc mounted on said shaft and provided with an abutment located at one position along the periphery thereof, a rod connected to said blocking means and mounted within said casing for reciprocating movement, said rod terminating in an end positioned within the path of travel of said abutment, and resilient means for restoring said blocking means to its normal position wherein the cigarettes are prevented from leaving said storage chamber after said abutment has contacted said end of said rod and urged said blocking means from its normal position to permit a cigarette to leave said storage chamber.

11. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 10, wherein said means simulating the packing and rolling of cigarettes comprises a first drum operatively mounted to said casing for rotation, said first drum including on the outer periphery thereof indicia designating cigarette paper, a second drum operatively mounted to said casing for rotation, said second drum being transparent and including a cavity within which particles simultating tobacco are located, crank means operatively mounted for movement on said casing and a sound producing mechanism.

12. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 11, wherein said crank means includes a piston rod operatively mounted to said casing for reciprocating movement, and said means operating said crank means comprises a shaft mounted for rotation in said casing, a gear train operatively connecting said motor to said shaft for rotating same, a cam member mounted to said shaft directly below said piston rod such that as said shaft is turned by said motor said cam sequentially actuates said piston rod operating said crank means.

13. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 12, wherein said sound producing mechanism comprises a resilient metal resonant plate mounted within said casing, a disc operatively connected to said shaft on which said cam member is connected, said disc including teeth located along a portion of the periphery thereof and arranged to contact the end of said resonant plate such that as said shaft rotates said teeth engage and move said resonant plate back and forth causing a clicking noise. 

1. A cigarette dispensing amusement device, comprising: a casing; a storage chamber provided within said casing, a passage extending from said storage chamber to the outside of said casing; a plurality of cigarettes located within said storage chamber; blocking means normally preventing said cigarettes from leaving said storage chamber; a first drum operatively mounted to said casing for rotation, said drum during rotation simulating the applying of cigarette paper; a second drum operatively mounted to said casing for rotation, said second drum being transparent and including a cavity within which particles simulating tobacco are located; means rotating said first and second drums for a predetermined time and thereafter removing said blocking means for an interval of time sufficient to permit a single cigarette to leave said storage chamber and enter said passage to be deposited for use comprising a motor mounted within said casing and a source of energy operatively connected thereto, a shaft mounted for rotation within said casing and means operatively connecting said motor to said shaft to rotate same, a disc mounted on said shaft and provided with an abutment, a part of said blocking means being provided with a portion normally positioned within the path of travel of said abutment, and resilient means for restoring said blocking means to its normal position wherein the cigarettes are prevented from leaving said storage chamber after said abutment has contacted said portion and urged said blocking means from its normal position to permit a cigarette to leave said storage chamber.
 2. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 1, wherein said abutment is located at one position along the peripery of said disc.
 3. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 2, wherein said part of said blocking means being provided with a portion normally positioned within the path of travel of said abutment comprises a rod connected to said blocking means and mounted within said casing for reciprocating movement, said rod terminating in an end positioned within the path of travel of said abutment.
 4. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 1, including crank means operatively mounted for movement on said casing, and means operating said crank means in conjunction with said first and second drums.
 5. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 4, wherein said crank means includes a piston rod operatively mounted to said casing for reciprocating movement, and said means operating said crank means comprises a shaft mounted for rotation in said casing, a gear train operatively connecting said motor to said shaft for rotating same, a cam member mounted to said shaft directly below said piston rod such that as said shaft is turned by said motor said cam sequentially actuates said piston rod operating said crank means.
 6. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 4, including a resilient metal resonant plate mounted within said casing, a disc operatively connected to said shaft on which said cam member is connected, said disc including teeth located along a portion of the periphery thereof and arranged to contact the end of said resonant plate such that as said shaft rotates said teeth engage and move said resonant plate back and forth causing a clicking noise.
 7. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 1, including gear wheels operatively mounted for meshing engagement on the outside of said casing so as to be visible to the user and means operatively connecting said motor to said gear wheels for operating same in conjunction with said drums and crank means.
 8. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 1, wherein said source of energy for said motor is electrical.
 9. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 8, including an electrical circuit and switch means available to the user for energizing said motor.
 10. A cigarette dispensing amusement device, comprising: a casing; a storage chamber provided within said casing, a passage extending from said storage chamber to the outside of said casing; a plurality of cigarettes located within said storage chamber; blocking means normally preventing said cigarettes from leaving said storage chamber; means operatively mounted to said casing for simulating the packing and rolling of cigarettes; and means operating said means simulating the packing and rolling of cigarettes for a predetermined time and thereafter removing said blocking means for an interval of time sufficient to permit a single cigarette to leave said storage chamber and enter said passage to be deposited for use comprising a motor mounted within said casing and the source of energy operatively connected thereto, a shaft mounted for rotation within said casing and means operatively connecting said motor to said shaft to rotate same, a disc mounted on said shaft and provided with an abutment located at one position along the periphery thereof, a rod connected to said blocking means and mounted within said casing for reciprocating movement, said rod terminating in an end positioned within the path of travel of said abutment, and resilient means for restoring said blocking means to its normal position wherein the cigarettes are prevented from leaving said storage chamber after said abutment has contacted said end of said rod and urged said blocking means from its normal position to permit a cigarette to leave said storage chamber.
 11. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 10, wHerein said means simulating the packing and rolling of cigarettes comprises a first drum operatively mounted to said casing for rotation, said first drum including on the outer periphery thereof indicia designating cigarette paper, a second drum operatively mounted to said casing for rotation, said second drum being transparent and including a cavity within which particles simultating tobacco are located, crank means operatively mounted for movement on said casing and a sound producing mechanism.
 12. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 11, wherein said crank means includes a piston rod operatively mounted to said casing for reciprocating movement, and said means operating said crank means comprises a shaft mounted for rotation in said casing, a gear train operatively connecting said motor to said shaft for rotating same, a cam member mounted to said shaft directly below said piston rod such that as said shaft is turned by said motor said cam sequentially actuates said piston rod operating said crank means.
 13. A cigarette dispensing amusement device as in claim 12, wherein said sound producing mechanism comprises a resilient metal resonant plate mounted within said casing, a disc operatively connected to said shaft on which said cam member is connected, said disc including teeth located along a portion of the periphery thereof and arranged to contact the end of said resonant plate such that as said shaft rotates said teeth engage and move said resonant plate back and forth causing a clicking noise. 